Short Circuit
Directed by John Badham
Where to Watch Short Circuit
- RichardFebruary 8, 2026I first saw Short Circuit in the cinema and that made all the difference. Seeing Johnny 5 on the big screen for the first time was pure magic. The film had that perfect 80's blend of sci‑fi, comedy and heart and watching it in a theater gave it a sense of wonder that stuck with me. Johnny 5 felt alive in a way that was rare for the time, full of personality, curiosity and charm. The mix of practical effects and puppetry made him feel real, especially when you’re sitting in a dark cinema with the sound and lights pulling you into his world. The movie had a lightness to it, but also a surprising emotional core. It wasn’t just about a robot escaping a lab, it was about identity, friendship and discovering what it means to be alive. Seeing it on the big screen made those moments hit even harder. It’s one of those films that instantly transports you back to that era: the music, the humor, the optimism and that unmistakable 80's movie magic.
Short Circuit Trivia
Short Circuit was released on May 9, 1986.
Short Circuit was directed by John Badham.
Short Circuit has a runtime of 1h 38m.
Short Circuit was produced by Gregg Champion, David Foster, Lawrence Turman.
Number 5, one of a group of experimental military robots, undergoes a sudden transformation after being struck by lightning. He develops self-awareness, consciousness, and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory. With the help of a young woman, Number 5 tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he has truly become alive.
The key characters in Short Circuit are Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy), Newton Crosby (Steve Guttenberg), Ben Jabituya (Fisher Stevens).
Short Circuit is rated PG.
Short Circuit is a Comedy, Family, Science Fiction film.
Short Circuit has an audience rating of 6.7 out of 10.
Short Circuit had a budget of $10M.
Short Circuit has made $40.7M at the box office.